Smartgrids, Smartstats, and Variable Peak Pricing

We're on a project installing "smartstats" for customers. I'd like to get some feedback to what other Building Science guys thought about the program/thermostat. The costs of energy vary based on demand, why shouldn't customers be given the option to pay different prices based on what it costs the power company the generate power?

The smartstat automatically raises the setting when energy prices go up during peak hours. Customers can opt out at any time if they don't like the program. OG&E will even give the customer a refund if the program hasn't saved them money in the first year. The stat is free to the customer, OG&E pays all the costs including installation. All thermostat related issues are covered for the consumer, if the stat fails it's replaced free of charge.

Customers can call 877-898-3834 24hrs a day if they have any questions on how to operate their stat. They also get a copy of the owners manual (the same as the PDF link). Most of the owners manual is accessible from the help button on the front of the thermostat. We set the initial programming based on customers preferences when we do the install, they are free to modify it anytime if they choose.